Short hiking tour from Samarkand or Dushanbe
Description of itinerary:
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Day 1: Samarkand/Dushanbe - Artuch Camp - Lake Chukurak
Day 2: Lake Chukurak – Kulikalon Lakes – Bibidzhanat Lake 2800m.
Day 3: Kulikalon lakes - Alaudin Paas (3860m) - Alaudin Lake
Day 4: Alaudin Lake - Samarkand/Dushanbe
Day 1: Samarkand Border – Artuch Alpinist Camp – Lake Chukurak (2455 m)
Meet our uzbek driver in your hotel lobby and transfer to the Tajikistan border (40km; 1h) or in your hotel in Dushanbe. Cross border walking to the Tajikistan side and meet our Tajik team. Transfer by private vehicle through scenic Tajik countryside to the Artuch Alpinist Camp (80 km; ~3 hours) with a stop for lunch in a local family. Upon arrival, enjoy a fresh home-style welcome lunch with local specialties and a trek briefing. After lunch continue to the camp. Begin an easy acclimatization hike (2km, 1–2h) to Lake Chukurak, passing through lush alpine meadows and traditional shepherd settlements. Experience authentic Tajiki hospitality—sample stone-baked milk bread and fresh dairy products at a local shepherd's yurt. Set up camp lakeside, then join an optional evening stroll or participate in a short introduction to Tajik mountain traditions around a campfire. Overnight in tents by the lake.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner.
Total hiking distance: 2km
Total hiking time: 1-2h
Day 2: Lake Chukurak – Kulikalon Lakes – Bibidzhanat Lake (2800 m)
After breakfast, begin your first full trekking day, with donkeys transporting your luggage for comfort. The trail ascends gently alongside rushing streams, past waterfalls and the dramatic cliffs of Adamtash, Rudaki, and Mirali Peaks (all over 4000m). Pause for a picnic lunch with panoramic lake views. Explore the Kulikalon Lake system: 14 interconnected turquoise lakes surrounded by ancient juniper forests—keep an eye out for rare birds and wildflowers. After exploring the area, continue across the high plateau to Bibidzhanat Lake (2800m), renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning reflections. Set up camp beside the lake and gather for a campfire dinner with local folklore and legends shared by your guide. Overnight in tents.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Total hiking distance: 8-9km
Total hiking time: 5-7h
Day 3: Bibidzhanat – Alaudin Pass (3860 m) – Alaudin Lake
Fuel up with breakfast before tackling the trek's most challenging day. Begin the steep ascent to Alaudin Pass (3860m), accompanied by pack donkeys and your guide. Enjoy spectacular vistas over Dushaha Lake, the Kulikalon lakes basin, and the majestic snow-capped peaks of Bodhona (5138m), Chapdara (5050m), Zamok (5070m), and Kaznok (4200m). Pause for a scenic lunch at the summit. Descend along a winding path to the dazzling turquoise waters of Alaudin Lake—considered the jewel of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival, relax and swim in the lake, or join an optional photo walk. Savor a hearty group dinner under the stars, with time for stargazing or sharing stories by the lakeshore. Overnight in tents by Alaudin Lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Total hiking distance: 9-10km
Total hiking time: 6-8h
Day 4: Alauddin lake - Samarkand/Dushanbe
Rise early to enjoy sunrise over Alaudin Lake, with an optional short hike or lakeside photography session. After breakfast, break camp and begin your return journey by private vehicle. Stop at a local village en route for a farewell lunch, where you can sample traditional Tajik dishes and say goodbye to your support crew. Continue your transfer to the Samarkand or onward to Dushanbe, with estimated arrival in the afternoon. Tour ends with fond memories of the Fann Mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Price Includes:
Price doesn't include:
For booking, contact us with any method you are comfortable: